Nineteen-year-old Ruth Aturo is the fast rising goalkeeping star who plays for Crested Cranes and UCU Cardinals. She is a student at Uganda Christian University pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Only this year, the teenager was named best goalkeeper at the CECAFA Female Challenge, Rwanda and COSAFA Women Championship in South Africa. And just last week, Aturo scooped another nomination in the Airtel Fufa Awards 2018. She will be facing off with Crested Cranes teammates, midfielder Tracy Jones Okiror and defender Shadia Nankya for the Female Player of the Year gong. Matooke Republic sat her down for an interview.
What do you think about the fact that many girls start playing football with males, before moving to the women teams? Is it true that it can give you something more?
I personally played a lot with boys and it’s something very special. It gives confidence
and speed compared to when you’re playing with fellow girls. By the time I started playing
with girls I could just grab all their shots.
What memories do you have about playing football with boys?
Hahaaa……. they always treated me well only after fouling and projecting very strong shots at me. Women who play football face a lot of criticism especially at the early stages of their
career.
What is your experience?
I have personally experienced a lot and have emerged to overcome them. At school boys
used to joke calling me their brother but self-control was key to get me through.
How does your daily training program look like and how do you juggle football and studies?
For sure my studies always collide with trainings but I try balancing them. However, during
weekends since I have no lectures, I give my all.
Many people have a saying, that ‘I can’t date an athlete’. What is your advice to them?
Firstly, those saying that have a huge problem and they are missing out a lot though I can
understand their choice. As human beings we are very different. My advice to those to such
people who decline dating female athletes, just try dating one because I am sure we are
the best.
Are you seeing someone?
Of course I have and he is the only one. Unfortunately, I can’t disclose him.
Speaking about your recent Airtel Fufa Awards nomination, how did that make you feel?
Although I feel happy for being nominated, I am not surprised at all. Trust me I have had
the best performance this year.
Are you confident that you will walk away with it?
Hahaaa.. I will walk away with it trust me.
Who is your favourite goalkeeper?
Denis Onyango has always been my best.
What impact has he had on you?
On the few occasions we have met, he has encouraged me to always do my best for myself
and the team.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
For sure which local player doesn’t want to play in Europe? That is my dream and with God and hard work it will come to happen.